swfla

iTrader: (1)

I have a spring loaded window punch tool for breaking the driver's door glass in case of emergency. The thought occurred to me that the laminated side glass has a film sandwiched between the two layers. This layer most likely will prevent the window from totally shattering when struck with the tool. Any thoughts or experiences with the glass breaking?

NickTee

Use a real hammer?

LexToy3

iTrader: (2)

Could always just try it.... it should buff out.

It would be an experiment for the good of the forum.

Wandl

hahahahahah yes. you'd be doing society a favor...

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I did a little more research. Laminated glass will crack but it won't break or puncture. This means that it's harder to escape if the door or window won't open. If the sun roof isn't laminated, that's the best bet. Hope that none of us ever end up in a canal or lake.

DiggerJim

Ummm....technically correct. But speaking from 12 yrs of experience on the ambulance squad, not material in real life. The glass is held in only because it's a full sheet. Punch it and it breaks on both sides of the laminate film. That eliminates the physical rigidity that keeps it in the window tracks in the upper door frame. Kick it or slam it with your elbow or something and it will bow and push out of the door track and fall out. Depending on how hard you punch it in the first place, the laminate layer may break through as well, but in either case, you're not trapped inside.

If someone is coming in from outside, it's a similar situation on the other side of the door only their punches are bigger and usually have power attached

RayLS

^^ +1
the laminate will hold the glass together. It will still break but not shatter IE no broken glass hitting your face.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I appreciate the technicalities but the change from regular glass translates into many smaller, older, weaker people now unable to escape with a simple tool if submerged. A real possibility in states such as FL with plenty of water alongside roads. Drowning, as a way of death is terrifying and painful from what I read. Thankful for first responders everywhere.

SW17LS

Article and video on the subject:

http://www.nbcdfw.com/investigations...206353031.html

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Thank you. This video is exactly what I'm talking about. I encourage everyone to watch it.

R Z

Sheesh! Hope I never land in water. But I'll try and remember to lower the windows before I lose power. Nice find.

enoch861

I wonder if there's a car that has tech to sense if a car is being submerged and automatically rolls down the windows.. Kind of like how when you're a in a crash your car doors unlock. I think most people are too busy panicking to remember to roll down their windows..

LuxuryCar1

*mistakenly posted in this thread

mcomer

expanding on what swfla wrote regarding the sunroof not being laminated, the back door windows are not.

SW17LS

The back door windows are laminated on the LWB car